Make sure no one has to face an emergency alone

National Preparedness Month in September, a time when the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, asks everyone to volunteer and take important steps to protect their families. The Red Cross responds to over 65,000 disasters each year, that impact communities across the country. To ensure no one faces an emergency alone, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers. While volunteers of all types are needed, the most critical need is for disaster action team volunteers. Disaster action team volunteers are trained responders, who offer immediate relief, shelter and compassion, after home fires, floods, and other local and national emergencies. With disasters becoming more frequent and severe, communities across Wisconsin – especially in northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – are in urgent need of volunteers. Whether it’s a fire in someone’s home or a storm that destroys an entire town, disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. If someone of any age and availability wants to make an impact in their community, now is the time to join the Red Cross and help those in need. Opportunities range from short-term disaster assignments to long-term leadership roles, in the following ways. • Disaster response and recovery (in-person) – Respond to local events like home fires or floods. • Disaster shelter volunteer – Help operate emergency shelters and provide comfort to displaced families. • Health and mental health services – Support individuals with medical or emotional needs. • Logistics and supply coordination – Help deliver supplies to those affected. • Administrative and community outreach support – Support volunteer operations and local engagement. The Red Cross also offers a variety of opportunities for individuals, who would like to support disaster relief operations across the country. Volunteers are needed to deploy to help communities in need, after a disaster strikes. Whether delivering health services, supporting a shelter or distributing relief supplies, their presence brings comfort to people in need. Getting started is easy and simple. Once an application has been reviewed, the local Red Cross chapter will reach out and guide along the next steps. All required training is provided free of charge and can be completed online. To learn more, visit redcross.org.